Aaron Hicks has been a prolific player for the New York Yankees in the past.
For example, he replaced 2.8 wins in 2017 (WAR) and 4.2 wins in 2018, which resulted in his great batting eyes, ample strength and great center field defense.
But now, at the age of 32 and having missed a lot of time with injuries over the past few years, the switch-hitter still hasn’t gotten to the rhythm in 2022.
With Thursday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles, the outfielder has a sad .198 / .333 / .240 with a .573 OPS.
He had a chance to collect a significant hit in an intimate game that might have changed his fortunes, but his efforts failed.
First, MLB.com’s Brian Hutch tweeted that “Aaron Hicks, 3-for-22 with RISP this year, has a chance to change the script at an important place here.”
However, the show has seemed a bit unfocused in recent episodes.
“Hicks Count does the whole thing, then strikes out. Frustration, “Hutch said.
Hicks Count works perfectly, then hits out. Defeat. https://t.co/quo41Goyko
– Brian Hoch (brianhoch) May 19, 2022
The Yankees could really use Hicks’ contribution
The last time Hicks was an average, productive player was in 2020.
That year, his .793 OPS and serviceable defense helped the Yankees go into the post-season.
However, there is no question that he will be held accountable in 2022.
The Yankees didn’t have too many weaknesses this year, but Hicks is definitely one of them.
Whatever it is, they can’t do much but keep sending him there every day, boosting his confidence and the heating coach and his staff have to work with him.
He has remained a valuable part of the long-term, although he is not particularly young, so taking him should be one of the Yankees’ priorities at the moment.